Beijing Hotel

Historic Hotel - Stay at your own risk

Pros: I'm a sucker for historical sites, including hotels. And the Beijing Hotel defintly has a rich history that doesn't belong in this post, however is worth mentioning as the reason for me selecting this spot. And on top of that - the location is amazing. Granted the location is smack dab in the epicenter of tourism for Beijing (Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing Street, etc), and if that is what you're there fore (besides history) this *could* be your place. The price is amazing, however so is any 4 or 5 star hotel in the city, so that shouldn't be your driver - however it isn't a blocker here either.

Cons: The Chinese Gov't obviously is the one credited with giving this State Owned Hotel its 5 star rating; perhaps out of pride. The place in fact smells like grandma's house in the summer with no air conditioning. Carpets emit this strange oder - perhaps due to the history previously mentioned. The *daily cleaning* service must be limited to pushing water around a dirty floor to even out the dirt because there is a lot of cacked in grime in the bathrooms and seating areas. I validated this is the case in multiple rooms as I did go and ask for a change. The check-in staff was completey rude - however the conceirge was extremely helpful helping me ship a package within China - so your experience may vary depending on who you talk to. No international channels on the TV -- TV shouldn't be a reason for staying at this hotel anyway, and the outlets in the walls look like they were about to fall out. Perhaps the duct tape keeping them attached was wearing off. My recommendation is to get your history fix by stopping by the lobby on your way back to a more comfortable hotel (not this one).